FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2024
Contact:
Patrick Fox, EMS Programs Manager, Michigan Center for Rural Health
Ph: (517) 355-7757, Email: patrick.fox@affiliate.msu.edu
East Lansing, MI— The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) has initiated a collaboration with seven rural EMS agencies to develop and implement a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the EMS workforce in their respective areas. This five-year initiative is being funded through a grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The project's goal is to provide these rural EMS agencies with a comprehensive approach to recruitment and retention, with the aim of strengthening and retaining the rural EMS workforce. Additionally, the project seeks to establish sustainable recruitment and retention strategies that can be replicated in other communities. MCRH has chosen Cambridge Consulting Group (CCG) to serve as subject matter experts in this work.
The seven rural Michigan EMS agencies participating in this project are as follows: East Bay Ambulance in Traverse City, Cherry Grove Fire and Rescue in Cadillac, Forsyth Township EMS in Gwinn, SONCO Ambulance Inc. in Bruce Crossing, Emmet County EMS in Petoskey, Whitefish Township EMS in Paradise, and Kinross Charter Township EMS in Kincheloe. Each rural EMS agency has committed to five years of performance and is excited to work with MCRH and CCG. Each rural EMS agency will receive a tailored set of resources and toolkits based on their specific needs and characteristics. The best practices and lessons learned by each agency will be shared with others and distributed to rural EMS agencies across the state. In addition to the comprehensive technical assistance provided by MCRH and CCG, MCRH will provide training related to addressing fatigue and the mental health impact of EMS work (Before Operational Stress Training) supplied by the WayFound Mental Health Group.
Patrick Fox, EMS Programs Manager, noted that "MCRH is excited to broaden our EMS project work through this opportunity and to work with deserving organizations focused on the EMS workforce shortage in Michigan’s rural communities. The future benefits of this project will tremendously impact rural EMS agencies across the state for years to come.".
“Our office is grateful to have HRSA recognize this need,” said MCRH Executive Director John Barnas. “This funding will enable MCRH and CCG to provide the necessary resources to develop an approach for strengthening the recruitment and retention of EMS professionals in our rural communities, ensuring stability in a service area that requires immediate attention.”
In addition to the project's focus on recruitment and retention, each agency will develop tools to increase its presence and visibility in the community. MCRH and CCG will also assist in crafting communications and public relations techniques to share the story of the unique “why” of EMS sustainability and viability in each community served.
To learn more about the MI Flex Program EMS Supplement project and the progress of rural EMS Michigan organizations involved, please contact MCRH EMS Programs Manager Patrick Fox (patrick.fox@affiliate.msu.edu).
Please click here to visit the MCRH EMS Programs page to learn more about current grant projects, continuing education webinars, workshops, and other valuable resources.